Davis Set To Return

After nearly 24 hours of rumors, Clemson head football coach Tommy Bowden confirmed Thursday evening true freshman running back James Davis will be returning to the football team. Davis left the team following Wednesday evening’s walkthrough and a lengthy discussion with Coach Bowden and running backs coach Burton Burns.

“He will be back tomorrow or Saturday. It is no more than Bernard Rambert, Cedric Johnson, or William Henry, a little homesick. I talked to his mom and uncle, just like I did with Bernard. Bernard asked for his keys to go to a seven-eleven, and he went to a seven-eleven in Sumter and got lost in Georgia. I talked with him (Davis) an extended amount of time, but I talked to all of them,” said Coach Bowden.

Davis’ situation is not uncommon at Clemson. Several great players such as Jeff Davis, Jerry Butler, Kevin Mack, etc. have had similar situations to Davis.

“First time away from home, practices get a little tough, you just get homesick. They go home talk to their parents. I want the parents to feel comfortable. It is usually 24-48 hours (before they return),” offered Coach Bowden.

Coach Bowden said it normally takes two-three days after a player returns before the homesickness goes away. He also addressed the issue on whether or not this would mean a redshirt for Davis.

“We have been discussing over the last few days (redshirts), and we haven’t determined that. He would be on that shortlist of guys that will not. We do have a shortlist of guys that I don’t wish to share. He would be one of those guys, and there are some others we have on the list.

The Tigers will hold their second scrimmage on Saturday, and Davis is expected to participate on Saturday.

“He will be a little bit behind, but he has been here a long time. There is a lot of the offense he can still run. He will have good legs, I am gonna run him.”

It has been documented many times that this football team is like a big family. Coach Bowden was asked about how Davis would be received upon his return.

“It is so common in this arena out here. Most of these others guys are thinking the samething. The fact that it is so heavy on their minds, they understand what he is going on. Bernard Rambert, Cedric Johnson, and William Henry were welcomed back with open arms.”